ROUNDING OFF
So, which bike is best? That’s a good question – and the answer is probably down to your preferences. It’s fair to say that the Yamaha is an easier bike to blast around on because it’s got a punchier motor, whereas you have to play the game with the Kwacker to get the engine screaming. But is easy always the best option? Being honest, revving the nuts off the ZX-4RR was so much fun and gave a wholly different sense of satisfaction. How often do you get the chance to be boss of a bike these days? That motor is anything but easy to go fast with, but when the 400’s on the pipe, it’s so satisfying.
Performance-wise, I don’t think there’s much in it, but the Yammy seems that bit quicker and easier to get up to speed. From an aesthetic point of view, the ZX-4RR feels more finished. Kawasaki has done a mega job of giving this little bike big bike styling cues. The tech on it is better, too. You could say there’s a few bits on it that you don’t need, but it’s often better to have more than less, so that’s not a complaint.
Another thing that’s worth factoring in when deciding on which bike is right for you is the riding position. The ergonomics are really different, with the Kawasaki being a sit-in kind of bike, while the
Yammy very much plonks you on top in a much sportier, more aggressive stance. The seat is taller, and the weight on your arms is greater, too, so keep that in mind if you’ve got long rides planned. At high speeds, it’s not such an issue, but the slower you go, the more you feel it. The ZX-4RR, on the other hand, gives you allday comfort... well, as much as you can hope for on a small sportsbike.
They both handle nicely, so there’s no discrepancy in that respect. Audibly, they offer very different experiences. I absolutely loved the Kawasaki when it was on the pipe, but the R7 sounds better at lower revs, with a much deeper, throatier bark, like you tend to get on twins.
You could play this game all day, splitting hairs, but ultimately, they are both cracking A2 options, both easier to ride, and each with great looks and character. It’s crazy to think how different these two bikes are, yet the end result in terms of speed and output is so similar.
Which would I have? That’s not an easy question to answer. For pure laughs, I’d go for the Kawasaki, but if I were looking at a bit more track action, I’d be swayed towards the slightly more focused Yamaha. When all’s said and done, there is no loser here.